<p>River morphology is shaped by dynamic interactions between sediment transport, flow conditions, and vegetation. This study investigated how vegetation type and spatial distribution affect river morphology through flume experiments under varying discharge rates on a movable sand bed. Alternate bar configurations were analyzed in both vegetated and unvegetated scenarios to assess the role of vegetation in shaping channel patterns, bar dynamics, and erosion processes. After reaching meander wavelength equilibrium, vegetation zones were placed at equal distances using emergent rigid cylinders. The results showed that vegetation affected sandbar patterns, sinuosity, and erosion compared to the unvegetated alternate bars at two discharge rates. Under vegetated conditions, the alternate bar developed rapidly, and its wavelength increased, growing from 4.5&#xa0;m and 4.0&#xa0;m to maximum values of 6.0&#xa0;m and 5.0&#xa0;m for Q = 0.003 m³/s and Q = 0.0025 m³/s, respectively. The unvegetated channel sections exhibited the widest, shallowest, and least sinuous configuration, intensifying erosion on the opposite bank by 30% and widening bends. Conversely, the flow diversion increased scours by 19% close to the vegetation upstream, but the blockage protected the center and wake regions of the vegetation patch, which caused an increase in deposition by 10%. Over time, vegetation in the middle stabilized channel morphology upstream and downstream of the unvegetated reach, reducing channel mobility. This stabilization resulted in longer bar wavelengths and improved sediment retention, emphasizing the role of vegetation. These findings highlight the critical function of vegetation in shaping river morphology, stabilizing sediment, and influencing bar dynamics under variable flow conditions.</p>